KEEL-BREASTED BIRDS. 



markings. In the breeding-season the back of the head 

 bears a crest. They breed in Carolina near the sea and 

 in New Jersey in the cedar-swamps, returning to the same 

 locality for successive years. They feed upon fish and 

 various small water-animals. The Florida great white 

 and green herons are all familiar American forms. The 

 cattle-heron {Bubulcus ibis), of Africa, follows herds of ele- 

 phants and buffaloes for the purpose of obtaining the in- 

 sects that infest them. The American bittern (Botaurus 

 minor] is found in all parts of temperate North America 

 and as far south as Guatemala. They are nocturnal, 

 feeding at night, and utter a strange, booming call or 

 note. They are known to nest at Hudson's Bay in June, 

 the nests being formed in swamps, and containing four 

 green eggs. 



VALUE. Feathers, and as game. 



The Bustards (Otidida) of the Old World form, to 

 some extent, a connecting link between the wading and 

 scratching birds. 



Order VII. Scratching Birds (Gallmce). General 

 Characteristics. These land-birds are poor fliers, have 

 short, stout bills, powerful feet for scratching, and the 

 hind-toe generally elevated. The domestic fowl is a typi- 

 cal form. 



FIG. 294. Red-legged partridge (Perdix rubra) in full flight a rapid flier. 



The Partridges (Perdicidce) (Fig. 294) are small 

 birds of compact form, with short beak, the nostrils pro- 



